Guangzhou City, Kaiping Watchtowers and Yingxi Karst Peaks

Three classic days in Guangzhou, then Kaiping watchtowers, Yingxi karst peaks and Gulong Gorge, ending with a day in Foshan

The first three days cover Xiguan, Yuexiu and Tianhe. On day four, hire a car to Kaiping for the Zili Village watchtowers, Li Garden and Chikan Ancient Town. On day five, head north to Yingde and stay one night in Jiulong Town among the Yingxi karst peaks. On day six, see Gulong Gorge before heading back to the city. The final day is a half day at the Foshan Ancestral Temple, then departure from Guangzhou South Railway Station. The sights outside the city are spread out, so hiring a car or driving yourself is recommended. Ideal for travelers who want to see the overseas Chinese hometowns and karst scenery beyond the city.

Gulong Gorge rafting usually runs only in summer. In winter, the focus is on gorge sightseeing.

Day by day

Day 1 · Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Shamian Island in Xiguan

Central Guangzhou（Chen Clan Ancestral Hall、Yongqing Fang / Xiguan、Shamian Island）

The airport metro into the city takes about 1 hour. After dropping off luggage, go to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, then walk through Yongqing Fang to Shamian Island.

Stay: Yuexiu / Beijing Road

Day 2 · Yuexiu Old City and Pearl River Night Cruise

Central Guangzhou（Nanyue King Museum (Mausoleum Site)、Yuexiu Park (Five Rams Statue & Zhenhai Tower)、Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall、Beijing Road Pedestrian Street、Pearl River Night Cruise）

Walk and take the metro around Yuexiu. In the evening, board a night cruise at Tianzi Wharf for about 1 hour.

The Nanyue King Museum requires advance booking and is closed on Mondays.

Stay: Yuexiu / Beijing Road

Day 3 · Baiyun Mountain and Tianhe New Town

Central Guangzhou（Baiyun Mountain、Guangdong Museum、Huacheng Square & Zhujiang New Town、Canton Tower）

Take the metro to Baiyun Mountain for the cable car. In the afternoon, take the metro to Zhujiang New Town to see the museum, and climb the Canton Tower at dusk.

Stay: Yuexiu / Beijing Road

Day 4 · Kaiping Watchtowers Day Trip

Jiangmen（Zili Village Diaolou Cluster、Liyuan Garden、Chikan Overseas Chinese Town）

Hire a car or drive on expressways for about 2 to 2.5 hours to Kaiping. Driving between the watchtower villages takes 20 to 30 minutes. Return to Guangzhou in the evening.

Leave early to avoid tour groups. Zili Village needs about 2 hours.

Stay: Yuexiu / Beijing Road

Day 5 · Northward to Yingxi Karst Peaks

Qingyuan & Yingde（Yingxi Peak Forest Corridor）

Drive or hire a car along the Guangqing and Qinglian expressways for about 2.5 hours to Jiulong Town. Rent an electric scooter in town to tour the peaks.

There is also a direct provincial bus to Jiulong Town, about 3.5 hours.

Stay: Yingxi Fenglin – Jiulong Town

Day 6 · Gulong Gorge, Then Back to Guangzhou

Qingyuan & Yingde（Gulong Gorge）

About 40 minutes from Jiulong Town to Gulong Gorge. After sightseeing, about 1.5 hours back to central Guangzhou.

Rafting requires a change of clothes. Confirm it is open before setting out.

Stay: Yuexiu / Beijing Road

Day 7 · Foshan Ancestral Temple, Then Departure

Foshan（Foshan Ancestral Temple & Wong Fei-hung Memorial Hall、Lingnan Tiandi）

Take the Guangfo Line for about 40 minutes to the Ancestral Temple. After visiting, take a taxi or metro about 30 minutes to Guangzhou South Railway Station.

The Ancestral Temple has martial arts and lion dance performances in the morning, so check the schedule.

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